Grandma didn’t appear happy to leave. “I am.”
“So am I. Grant, will you drive us home?”
“If you’ll take a little walk with me first.” He held out his hand.
She linked her fingers with his and they went onto the screened-in porch.
He pointed gestured west. “Look, the moon is setting. The sunset over the Caprock can be gorgeous. And in spring the range is nice and green.”
“You don’t have to convince me this is a nice place. I love your ranch.”
He locked his arms behind her. “Did you mean what you said last night? Do you love me?”
She held him around the waist. “Yes. I know we haven’t known one another long, but I feel a connection with you I’ve never experienced with anyone else. If I didn’t know how short the time since we met, I’d say we’ve known each other for a lifetime.”
He leaned his forehead against hers. “I feel the same way. The minute I saw you on the front porch, I fell hard. Some people don’t believe in love at first sight, but I can assure them it happens.”
He dropped to one knee. “Tory, will you marry me? I love you with all my heart. I can’t imagine my life without you.”
She pulled him to his feet and threw her arms around his neck. “Oh, Grant, yes, yes, yes. I never want to be without you. I don’t mean you have to physically be within sight, but I want to know we’re bonded forever.”
He fished in his shirt pocket. “This was my grandmother’s engagement ring. Grandpa gave it to me when I told him I intended to propose.” Grant slipped a white gold band on her finger set with a lovely pear-shaped diamond surrounded by smaller stones.
“It’s beautiful. Grant, I’m so happy.” Tears welled in her eyes.
“I hope you believe in short engagements. I can’t wait to have you here with me permanently. There’s room for your grandmother, too, if she wants to join our household.”
They sat on the porch swing and talked between passionate kisses. When they went back inside, Tory flashed her ring.
Grandma hugged each of them. “Wayne told me what he thought was happening. I couldn’t be happier for you, Tory. You’ve chosen a wonderful man from a wonderful family.”
Brad asked, “When’s the wedding?”
Grant held his arm around her. “First weekend in June. We’re still working out details. Guess Tory and Grandma will sort out those and let us know where to be when.”
Chapter Twelve
Tory listened to the commotion around her in Grandma’s overflowing house. She loved seeing her family, but she looked forward to Grant and her being alone this evening. Yesterday, she’d moved her things to the ranch except for what she’d need today.
Her mom hugged her shoulders and planted a kiss on her cheek. “I hope you were able to sleep on the couch, Dear. Little Cheyenne wanted her own bed and was determined not to sleep anywhere else.”
Annette came in carrying baby Dakota. “I apologize to everyone. I don’t know what’s come over Cheyenne. She’s usually so pleasant.”
Annette’s husband Britton carried his daughter. “Because she usually gets her way. I’m beginning to think we’ve created a brat.”
Secretly Tory agreed, but she said, “Travel is hard on children and their parents.”
Annette sent her a grateful smile and Tory regretted judging her sister harshly. But, Annette and Britton didn’t believe in punishment other than a soft reprimand. Obviously that method didn’t work with Cheyenne.
Dad came in carrying a grocery bag. “Got all the stuff you asked for, Elizabeth, except this last item.” He gave her the list she’d made for him.
Her mother frowned at her father. “Yogurt? Are you sure you looked thoroughly? I wanted that special Greek yogurt I like.”
Tory rose to her father’s defense. “Mom, ours isn’t the sort of store you have in North Dallas. This is a small town and stores carry what they can sell before it spoils.”
Grandma glanced at Tory. “And what’s essential. I wonder how your brother and sister-in-law made out at the ranch. So nice of Wayne and the boys to invite Ted and Serena to stay with them.”
Dad leaned on the kitchen table. “I wonder how the Graysons made out with Ted and Serena. They’re not the easiest people to entertain.”
Mom looked up from storing the groceries. “I worry about them. They don’t know how to relax and have fun.”
Tory hugged her mother’s shoulders. “Don’t worry, they’ll learn at the ranch. The Grayson men will teach them a thing or two.” She hoped she was right and that there wasn’t a family feud brewing.
Soon the time arrived for everyone to get dressed for the wedding. Tory had arranged for one of her most trusted students, Kelly Harrison, to babysit Annette’s children during the wedding and reception.
Kelly arrived armed with story books and toys and her best friend Catrina Chapa. “We thought between us we could entertain the children.”
Annette gave extensive instructions and a list.
Kelly listened attentively and accepted the sheet of paper. “Don’t worry. Catrina and I babysit often, especially for my niece and nephew and my aunt’s friends.”
Tory and her father rode in his car while Grandma and Mom rode with Annette and Britton in Grandma’s car.
Her father gave her an appreciative glance. “You look beautiful, baby. So much like your mom did in that dress. Doesn’t seem possible this much time has passed.”
She fluffed her skirt layers so they wouldn’t appear crushed. “Thank you, Dad. You look very nice in your new suit.”
“I like your young man. Emily tells me he’s intelligent and a hard worker as well as being good for you.”
“He’s my soul mate, just like Mom is yours.”
“I’m sure glad to hear that.” As they neared the church, her father parked and touched her arm. “Can I just ask one thing?”
“Of course, Dad. What is it?’
“When you have kids, will you give them normal names and not destinations?”
Tory laughed. “You can count on that, Dad.”
Inside the church, Tory hurried to the bride’s room, which was really a classroom that had a full-length mirror. Mom, Grandma, Annette, and Pamela were waiting for her. Annette was her matron of honor and Pamela the bridesmaid. They wore dresses that Pamela and Tory had picked out in Lubbock.
Pamela was assessing Annette. “Thank goodness your dress fit and looks good on you. We were concerned about the size and cut.”
Annette laughed and twirled in the blue taffeta trimmed in matching moiré and crème lace. “It’s especially good if I don’t take a deep breath. If I do, this neckline is low enough that I might have a wardrobe malfunction.”
The two laughed. The photographer took shots of them with Mom adjusting her veil, one with the mixed white bouquet, and the other usual poses. She thought her mom looked especially nice in a silvery lace dress and jacket. Grandma wore a lovely mauve suit.
Tory was exhilarated and nervous at the same time. The long dress with a train was too elaborate for the small wedding she and Grant had planned, but Tory wanted to wear Mom’s dress. Four years ago, Annette had worn it and, hopefully, the next generation would do the same.
Soon Dad tapped on the door. “It’s time.”
Mom and Grandma slipped out to be seated and the photographer left to take his place in the sanctuary.
The music swelled. Pamela and then Annette walked ahead of her.
Dad offered his arm. By this time, she needed the support. The minute she spotted Grant and saw his smile, her nervousness fled. Pure love shone in his eyes and he fairly beamed with happiness. She smiled at him. Brad and Wayne were his groomsmen and they smiled at her too.
Light from the stained glass window radiated a rainbow on the altar. She had the sensation of God’s blessing shining on her and Grant. The minister announced, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony… ”
Sh
e tried to concentrate on each word but she only knew Grant was beside her. When the minister said, “Do you, Victoria Elizabeth Fraser, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and in health, for better and for worse, until death do you part?”
Her voice quavered as she answered, “I do.”
He asked, “Do you, Grant Wayne Grayson, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and in health, for better and for worse, until death do you part?”
Grant’s voice came strong and deep, “I do.”
She was conscious of him slipping a wedding ring on her finger and of the minister speaking more words, but she couldn’t have repeated them.
When the minister said, “You may kiss the bride,” Grant smiled at her before he gently lifted her veil and kissed her. He whispered, “More later.”
The pastor said, “Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Grant Grayson.”
The music swelled and they hurried down the aisle. They had to circle around and wait for photos to be taken before they headed for the fellowship hall where a caterer had set up the reception. Last night they’d rehearsed where they would stand to greet guests.
For what seemed forever, they welcomed those who’d come to pay their respects and wish them well. At last, they could cut the cake. Soon thereafter, they slipped away to change clothes and leave on their honeymoon. People threw the contents of tiny bags of birdseed at them as they raced to the car.
The Navigator was decorated with wedding graffiti. Grant helped her into the passenger seat and hurried around to the driver’s side.
He glanced at her as they drove away. “Sorry about the car. Looks like Brad got carried away. I’ll drive through a car wash first chance I get.”
“I don’t care. All I know is I’m officially yours and you’re mine. I can’t wait to learn where we’re going for our honeymoon. Come on, you’ve kept me in suspense long enough. Spill.”
“We’re staying in Lubbock the first night. I would’ve taken you anywhere, but you didn’t seem interested in Hawaii or Acapulco or any other place I mentioned. Grandma suggested Ruidoso.”
“Oh, that sounds lovely. I hope you’re not disappointed that I’m not much for lying in the sun. Although, I would like to see Hawaii some other time. Truthfully, I didn’t want to go that far from home right now.”
“What I want is to have you all to myself. I plan to show you how much I adore you.”
“And I’m eager for you to do just that and let me reciprocate. Grant. I never dreamed I’d be this happy. I told Dad you’re my soul mate.”
“I believe that’s true. We were meant for one another and that’s why we had that instant sense of having known one another forever. You’ve made me the happiest man in the world.”
“I plan to keep you that way. Here’s to forever.”
* * *
Dear Reader,
Thank you for choosing to read my book out of the millions available. If you’d like to know about my new releases, contests, giveaways, and other events, please sign up for my reader group here. New subscribers receive a Free historical western titled Happy Is The Bride.
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Caroline
If you favor western historical romance, you’ll enjoy being a member of the Pioneer Hearts Facebook Group. There you’ll be able to converse with authors and readers about books, contests, new releases, and a myriad of other subjects involving western historical romance. Sign up at https://www.facebook.com/groups/pioneerhearts/
Read Caroline’s western historical titles:
Amanda’s Rancher, Montana Sky Kindle World
The Rancher and the Shepherdess, Montana Sky Kindle World
Murdoch’s Bride, Montana Sky Kindle World
Bride’s Adventure, Montana Sky Kindle World
Patience, Bride of Washington, American Mail-Order Brides Series #42
Josephine, Bride Brigade book 1
Angeline, Bride Brigade book 2
Cassandra, Bride Brigade book 3
Ophelia, Bride Brigade book 4
The Surprise Brides: Jamie, released simultaneously with three other The Surprise Bride books which are Gideon by Cynthia Woolf, Caleb by Callie Hutton, and Ethan by Sylvia McDaniel, each book about one of the Fraser brothers of Angel Springs, Colorado
The Most Unsuitable Wife, Kincaids book one
The Most Unsuitable Husband, Kincaids book two
The Most Unsuitable Courtship, Kincaids book three
Gabe Kincaid, Kincaids book four
Brazos Bride, Men of Stone Mountain Texas book one, Free
Buy the Audiobook here
High Stakes Bride, Men of Stone Mountain Texas book two
Buy the Audiobook here
Bluebonnet Bride, Men of Stone Mountain Texas book three
Tabitha’s Journey, a Stone Mountain Texas mail-order bride novella
Stone Mountain Reunion, a Stone Mountain Texas short story
Stone Mountain Christmas, a Stone Mountain Texas novella
Winter Bride, a Stone Mountain romance
The Texan’s Irish Bride, McClintocks book one, Free
O’Neill’s Texas Bride, McClintocks book two
McClintock’s Reluctant Bride, McClintock’s book three
Save Your Heart For Me, a western romance adventure novella
Long Way Home, a sweet Civil War adventure romance novella.
Caroline’s Time Travel
Out Of The Blue, 1845 Irish lass comes forward to today
If you prefer contemporary western romance, you’ll enjoy interacting with kindred souls and authors by becoming a member of Contemporary Western Hearts Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=contemporary%20western%20hearts
Caroline’s Contemporary Titles
Be My Guest, mildly sensual
Grant Me The Moon, sweet, April 2017
Snowfires, sensual
Home Sweet Texas Home, Texas Home book one (sweet)
Caroline’s Mysteries:
Almost Home, a Link Dixon mystery
Death In The Garden, a Heather Cameron cozy mystery, Kindle only
Take Advantage of Bargain Boxed Sets:
Wild Western Women – Mistletoe, Montana, Kirsten Osbourne, Caroline Clemmons, Merry Farmer, and Sylvia McDaniel
Mail-Order Tangle: Linked books Mail-Order Promise by Caroline Clemmons and Mail-Order Ruckus by Jacquie Rogers, Kindle Only
The Kincaids, Books 1-4 in one set, The Most Unsuitable Wife, The Most Unsuitable Husband, The Most Unsuitable Courtship, and Gabe Kincaid
Men of Stone Mountain, contains the first three of the Stone Mountain Texas books: Brazos Bride, High Stakes Bride, and Bluebonnet Bride. Kindle Only
10 Timeless Heroes, time travels include Out Of The Blue and novels by
Sky Purington, Skhye Moncreif, Donna Michaels, Beth Trissel, P. L. Parker, L. L. Muir, Linda LaRoque, and Nancy Lee Badger. Kindle only
Rawhide ’n Roses, fifteen 2,000 word short stories by various western historical authors, nominated for the Rhone Award, all proceeds go to Black Hills Wild Horse Rescue
About The Author
Caroline Clemmons is an Amazon bestselling and award winning author of historical and contemporary western romances. A frequent speaker at conferences and seminars, she has taught workshops on characterization, point of view, and layering a novel.
Caroline and her husband live in the heart of Texas cowboy country with their menagerie of rescued pets. When she’s not indulging her passion for writing, Caroline enjoys time with family, reading, travel, antiquing, genealogy, and getting together with friends. Find her on her blog, website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Google+, WattPad, and Pinterest.
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mons, Grant Me The Moon
Grant Me The Moon Page 11